our new mental health policy
“In essence, a mental health policy should be prioritized in every organization because rest is needed. ”
Virginia Community Voice has created a new and exciting element within its organization! – A new mental health policy, which addresses many important aspects of mental health. Mental health policies don’t have to be boring and inadequate. Once our policy is initiated I think we will immediately begin to see the benefits.
For example, the complex world of mental health will be easier for our staff to understand. A lot of people who have mental health issues are already afraid and often feel alone. Our policy is designed to calm fears and offer help when trying to navigate through the different life they are now leading.
With our new mental health policy, individuals will never feel neglected when it comes to mental health and personal time - taking a period of rest is encouraged if necessary. It is exhilarating and refreshing to have a mental health policy like this because it shows that the well-being of a person is taken seriously. It also shows that as an organization, mental health is prioritized in order to have a strong team.
Mental health is important and a solidified mental health policy is important to have when running an effective organization, especially when individuals utilize it to its fullest potential.
From sharing personal experiences to help reduce stigma, to dividing up the workload of someone taking a mental health break, this mental health policy includes everything you need to take your mental health to the pinnacle of greatness.
Mental health is serious and should be taken seriously, and with Virginia Community Voice’s mental health policy we are making sure your mental health is your first priority. If only every business or organization took the route to create something that their staff could implement in their personal lives such as a mental health policy, you would see an uptick in work-ethic, happiness, eagerness to work and much more.
To have a mental health policy that actually works means having the input of staff members because they know what they need. At Virginia Community Voice, there was a listening process of staff with mental health experience helping curate what our mental health policy has become today.
As part of the staff member, I can say that it is nice to see that what I have to offer is used as a guideline to help others. Dealing with mental health issues is not easy so having an accommodating mental health policy is beneficial to those who really need that time to replenish their energy and come back to work in a clear headspace.
In essence, a mental health policy should be prioritized in every organization because rest is needed. There should always be something there for everyone to take into consideration when it comes to their mental health, even if it's something small such as starting work later in the day after prioritizing self care one day per week. Good mental health policy is something so rare, so unique, that when you come across one, it sticks out like a sore thumb, and that’s what happened when I read Virginia Community Voice’s.
Shakirah Jones, Youth Programs Coordinator
Shakirah jones
Shakirah Jones is an artist who plays piano and clarinet, draws, and writes poetry. She draws her inspiration from her life experiences.
Prior to becoming the Youth Programs Coordinator, she was a Community Advocate with Thriving Cities Group.
Shakirah also has experience volunteering with youth at Caritas.
While working with community activists, she has gained insight into the way diversified communities react to positive change.
Contact Shakirah at Shakirah@vacommunityvoice.org